Global investment is not a threat but a lifeline for aviation industry, UAE's flag carrier Etihad Airways has said, in the wake of its record USD 643 million investment in Alitalia to revitalise Italy's national airline.

Orders amounting to nearly USD 37 billion by Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways for new Boeing aircraft is supporting more than 200,000 American jobs for almost a decade, according to airline's CEO James Hogan.

Gulf airline Etihad Airways has signed a deal to take a 49 percent stake in Italy's Alitalia airline and invest 560 million euros (USD 750 million) to save the loss-making national carrier, restructure it and return it to profitability.

Joining the low fare war with rival Etihad, Gulf carrier Emirates announced a limited period special fares offer for its Indian fliers on Tuesday, starting at Rs 21,858 for economy class and Rs 52,312 for business class fliers to the Middle East, Europe, Americas as well as Africa.